Friedman Brain Institute

What Makes Someone Brave? - Jeff Wise

– December 17, 2013 ––

Basic biology tells us that bravery emerges from a primal struggle between the brain’s decision-making hub, the prefrontal cortex, and the focal point of fear, the amygdala. When we find ourselves in an unexpected and dangerous situation, the amygdala sends a signal to the prefrontal cortex that interferes with our ability to reason clearly. In extreme cases, that “can be paralyzing,” said Daniela Schiller, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
-Dr. Daniela Schiller, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiLearn more